Police offer reward for info on ‘acid bombs’ mailbox attacks

HOLDEN — Mailboxes at two households in Holden on Mill Street and River Road were blown up last Saturday night by what police say was probably an acid bomb.

One resident heard a vehicle and then a noise that sounded like a small explosion around 11 p.m. Jan. 9 and later discovered their mailbox destroyed; the second household discovered their mailbox destroyed the next day.

Holden Police Detective Christopher Carey is investigating.

Carey expected the state postal inspector to analyze the residue in order to determine what type of material was used in the explosions. He said that from the material left after the explosions, it appeared to be a common homemade acid bomb with acid in a plastic bottle; the explosion is set off by heat.

Police are investigating whether there was any motive for the placement of the bombs. Carey said such crimes have been committed as pranks in the past.

Any suspicious material found in mailboxes should be reported to police immediately. Police are warning residents not to touch any similar items found in mailboxes, due to the danger of setting off the explosion, or to touch any material left after such an explosion, due to the danger of acid burns from the residue.

Holden Police are offering a reward for any information relating to the incidents. Contact the Holden Police Department at 508-829-4444 with any information.